6 Cat Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

There’s more to feeding your cat than putting out some kibble in a bowl once a day. Cats have specific dietary needs, which may be compromised if you’re unwittingly committing any of the following feeding mistakes.

Fruits and vegetables may appeal to humans, “but cats are carnivores, and many of these ingredients are either unnecessary or not well-processed by them,” says Dr. Sasha Gibbons, an associate veterinarian at Just Cats Veterinary Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut.

Being a carnivore doesn’t mean your cat can eat just any type of meat, however. “They need different parts of the animal to obtain all the amino acids, vitamins and minerals they need for everyday function,” she says.

Despite popular belief, wet cat food generally has fewer calories, which can be attributed to its high water content, says Gibbons. “Many dry foods use carbohydrates to bind the food to stick together. Therefore, canned food is often higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than dry food. Plus the higher water content in canned food is good for kidney issues, and can help prevent other urinary issues.”

Conversely, many pet parents believe dry food helps prevent dental disease, she says. In reality, chewing dry food or cat treats can help wear plaque from the teeth, however many cats swallow food whole or only chew on one side of their mouth, negating the purpose, Gibbons adds.

Letting cats graze on dry food all day, also known as free feeding, is a common mistake, says Marilyn Krieger, a certified cat behavior consultant and owner of The Cat Coach in the San Francisco Bay area.

“Free-fed cats are often overweight, lethargic and bored. In their natural state, felines don’t graze, and food is not readily available—they hunt for their food,” she says. “Instead of free feeding, cats should be fed multiple times a day and they should work a little for their food.”

Krieger recommends that cats eat at least five small meals every day. “Automatic timed feeders that have ice packs make it easy to feed canned food, even when cat parents aren’t around or are asleep.”

Pet food labels are good guidelines, says Gibbons, however the research done to formulate these labels are often done on pets that weren’t spayed or neutered. These animals have higher metabolic requirements, so if you follow them exactly and your pet has been spayed or neutered, you may be feeding your cat more than they actually need.

Additionally, Gibbons says that certain life stages and health conditions may change a cat’s caloric requirements. “Kittens have high caloric requirements due to the amount of energy they need for growth,” she says. “Therefore, feeding a kitten diet to cats under nine months of age is imperative.”

Your best option is to consult with a veterinarian to determine your cat’s specific nutritional needs so you can explore the variety of foods available for different life stages and conditions.

Pet parents with multiple cats often mistakenly place food bowls next to each other, or only provide one bowl for all the entire community, says Krieger. “Although household cats who are fed next to each other have no choice and have to eat in those circumstances, it can be stressful and cause eating disorders including stomach upsets, overeating and not eating.”

Each cat needs their own bowl, and they should be placed at a distance from each other. Depending on the individual cat, they may need to be placed in completely separate rooms, Krieger says.

You also want to avoid placing cat food bowls next to litter boxes, she adds. “Cats are clean and don’t want to smell excrement, especially where they eat. When given the chance, they won’t eat next to where they go to the bathroom.”

Cats are predators who instinctively work and hunt for their food, so mealtimes should be mentally and physically stimulating, says Krieger. One thing pet parents can try are food puzzles.

“Cats are notorious for over-consumption of food or too rapid consumption. Puzzle bowls have become popular as ways to help slow down the rate of food consumption, which can also help with vomiting associated with overeating,” says Gibbons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common cat feeding mistake pet parents make? Free feeding — leaving dry food out all day — is one of the most widespread missteps. Cats are carnivores with hunting instincts, and unlimited access to food often leads to overeating, weight gain and lethargy. Aim for at least five small, scheduled meals per day instead. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information

Does dry cat food really clean my cat's teeth? Chewing kibble can help wear away some plaque, but many cats swallow food whole or chew only on one side of their mouth, so the dental benefit is often overstated. Speak with your veterinarian about a complete dental care routine rather than relying on dry food alone. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information

How do I know if I'm feeding my cat the right amount? Pet food label guidelines are a starting point, but they are frequently based on data from cats who have not been spayed or neutered — who have higher caloric needs. Your cat's life stage, health status and whether she has been altered all affect how much she should eat. Your veterinarian is the most reliable source for a personalized feeding plan. https://petnutritionalliance.org/

Is wet or dry food better for cats? Neither is universally superior, but wet food is typically higher in protein, lower in carbohydrates and contains significantly more moisture — which can help support urinary and kidney health. Dry food is more calorie-dense and convenient. Many veterinary nutritionists recommend a combination; discuss the right balance for your individual cat with your vet. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals

Can I feed all my cats from the same bowl? No. Sharing a single bowl — or placing bowls directly next to each other — can create stress, competition and eating disorders including overeating, food refusal and digestive upset. Each cat should have her own bowl, placed at a comfortable distance from the others and always away from the litter box. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information

Do food puzzles actually help cats eat more slowly? Yes. Puzzle feeders tap into a cat's instinct to work for her food, slowing the rate of consumption and reducing the risk of vomiting associated with eating too quickly. They also provide mental and physical enrichment that free feeding simply cannot. Look for puzzles sized appropriately for your cat and introduce them gradually so she doesn't become frustrated. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.